Eastern Financial Branching Out

BOCA RATON, Fla. – As part of a strategic move to provide more member convenience, Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union has recently opened its first Palm Beach County branch. Designed by Marietta, Georgia-based design/build firm KDA Holdings Inc., the 4,100 square foot high-tech/high touch branch features an Internet Caf where members can access their accounts; remote teller stations and in another first for the credit union, a biometrics handprint scanning system for entry into the safe deposit box viewing area. Instead of taking time to fill out papers, sign in and show identification, members simply press their hand on a scanning pad and punch in a PIN number. Once the scanner confirms the handprint is authentic, the locked door to the safe deposit room opens and members can gain access to the room. “The biometric system not only enhances security and member satisfaction, but anything you do with a live teller you can also do with the Remote Teller System,” said Mark Holmes, Eastern Financial Florida CU vice president of marketing. “The teller can simultaneously handle additional transactions while cutting down the members’ wait time. One woman came into the branch and was so thrilled with the system she went to her car to bring her daughter in to show her.” To maintain the human touch, a concierge and member service representatives are in the branch to assist with account services and other matters. So far the $1.8 billion credit union has a total of 21 branches and plans are underway to open a few more next year.